NCJ Number
223332
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior: An International Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 755-771
Date Published
June 2008
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of family characteristics, parental monitoring, and victimization by adults on alcohol and other drug abuse (AOD), delinquency, and risky sexual behavior among incarcerated juveniles.
Abstract
Findings show that family problems are risk factors associated with multiple problem behaviors of youth. Results extend the developmental damage model from delinquency and drug use among male juvenile offenders to both males and females and to sexual risk behaviors. Findings also support research linking parental substance abuse with less parental monitoring. Family AOD history and family criminal history were positively associated with physical and sexual maltreatments; family criminal history was related to foster care placement. Prisoners reported higher levels of abuse if they grew up in foster care, if their parents were heavy users of alcohol or drugs, or if a family member had been incarcerated. A comparison of detained juveniles with high school students in the same State revealed that juveniles in detention were much more likely to be victims of forced sexual intercourse (8.4 percent high school students versus 16.3 percent juveniles in detention). A substantial percentage of detained juveniles reported physical and sexual victimization, and the rates of maltreatment exceeded estimated rates for the general population. Findings also support previous research linking child abuse with high-risk sexual behavior, AOD abuse, and antisocial behavior. More than half of the respondents reported that family members had an AOD abuse problem, and almost two thirds had a sibling or parent with a criminal history. Data were collected from 761 incarcerated youth from a secure detention center located in a southern U.S. city. Tables, figure, references